The main Serbian party in Kosovo has been banned from participating in parliamentary elections to be held in February.
Kosovo's election commission rejected the candidacy of the Serbian List on Monday due to concerns over its close ties with Serbia and its refusal to recognise the State of Kosovo.
Two of the 11 commission members voted in favour of the Serbian List's participation, two voted against, while seven abstained.
"Representatives of this list maintain constant contact with the government of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic," said one member who voted against the party's participation. "I cannot support a party that publicly does not recognise the independence of Kosovo."
The Serbian List can appeal the decision. In the meantime, the commission's move has already drawn criticism from Serbia, the United States, and the European Union.
A spokesperson for the US Embassy said fundamental democratic principles for free and balanced elections were being undermined.
The United States is one of Kosovo's closest allies.
Serbian President Vucic claimed Kosovo's authorities were attempting to "eliminate the only political opponent" and "cleanse the Serbian people" in Kosovo with the help of their allies.
Kosovo, whose population of about 1.59 million is over 90% Albanian, fought a war with Serbia in the late 1990s and declared independence in 2008.
Belgrade has never recognised Kosovo's independence.
The Serb population - just over 2.3% overall but a majority in border areas - is entitled to 10 of the 120 seats in Kosovo's parliament. Currently, all of these seats are held by members of the Serbian List.
